Thainakon Sterling Tea Service, Thailand Police Dept Inscribed Buddha Set, CIA

Description

This classic 5 piece presentation tea set consists of a teapot, tray, creamer, sugar bowl, and sugar tongs, each piece having a serene Buddha detail. Additionally each piece is clearly marked THAINAKON STERLING THAILAND beneath a logo, with the large inscription in the center of the tray:
To
Donald F. Ewing Sr.
In appreciation of his valuable assistance
rendered to the Thai Police Department
Police General P. Sriyanonda
September, B.E. 2499 (1956)
General Phao Sriyanonda, director general of the Thai National police was a reputed CIA client, who utilized CIA provided aircraft, boats and automobiles for drug trafficking purposes.  He was notorious for excesses against political opponents according to Wikipedia.  He eventually fled the country and died at age 50 in exile.
A wonderful piece of political world history from the 1950's!  This well-crafted tea set is in very nice condition for the age and use, with minor surface scratches, patina, and one small dent noted in the center of the tray just below the word “his”. The teapot has wear to the inside handle and the very tip of the finial, exposing the wood within. Please see photos closely for more information and feel free to ask any questions you may have.
Approximate Dimensions:
Teapot – 10 inches long, 4 ½ inches wide, 5 inches tall, 450 grams
Tray – 15 7/8 inches long, 10 inches wide, 656 grams
Creamer – 6 5/8 inches long, 3 inches wide, 3 inches tall, 140 grams
Sugar bowl – 7 inches long, 3 inches wide, 3 inches tall, 146 grams
Sugar tongs – 4 ½ inches long, 35 grams
Attention eBay Buyers
:
I do my best to accurately describe items listed for sale. Any chips, cracks, tears, stains or other noticeable damage will be listed in the description. If no damages or defects are listed above, it is because I didn't see any and the item is in very good condition.
Please look carefully at the photos, as they are considered to be part of the description!
Many of the items I list are from estate, household, and yard sales and are priced low accordingly, but occasionally a flaw or defect may be overlooked or damage may occur during shipping. Some items may not have been tested to make sure they work properly. I try to note that in the description. Feel free to ask for more information prior to bidding, and I will answer to the best of my ability.
If you are not 100% satisfied
, do not hesitate to contact me. I will do my best to resolve the problem.
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Payment is due within 3 days of the close of the auction
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Payment later than that will interfere with our shipping schedule and may result in your package not being shipped until the next batch. Florida residents, add 7% sales tax or a valid 2022 Florida State Resale certificate.
Shipping:
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ACTUAL
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Please note that some heavier items may require additional shipping costs west of the Mississippi River; please contact me for a revised shipping quote.
Handling:
Each item is carefully packaged to ensure safe arrival at its destination. With the cost of boxes, bubble wrap, peanuts, tape, etc., I often spend more on shipping/handling than the buyer is charged.  I usually ship within two business days of the close of auction.  I will notify you if it will run later than that for any reason.